The Artist Proofs were prints that were given to the artist upon the
publishing of their artwork. The artist proof and the regular edition images are exactly the same.
The only difference will be in the signature where the designation AP (Artist Proof) will be written in pencil next to the artist's name.
An artist proof is considered the artist's personal property and at one time the artist's proofs were given to the artist
as payment for the signing of the edition. The normal number of
artist's proofs is 50. In some cases (usually prints purchased for
stock from the publisher) it may be higher. The artist's proofs are
signed by the artist and numbered showing the quantity of artists
proofs available. Because of their restricted number artist's proofs
are sold at a higher price. In today's market, as the artists are paid a signing
fee, the publisher keeps a percentage of the artist's proofs for resale.

When the edition is sold out and a secondary market value is
realized, an artist's proof usually will go up in value at a greater
percentage rate than the limited edition. Artist's proofs tend to sell
out well before the complete edition and the secondary market value
usually increases well before the edition is
sold out.

It is not guaranteed that the proof
will go up in value apart from inflation and if the artwork is being
purchased purely for your own personal pleasure and not with a view to
investment, or serious collecting, we would recommend the signed
limited edition print or canvas